Wang Liqiang

Wang Liqiang (Chinese: 王立强), or William Wang, is a Chinese defector to Australia and self-proclaimed former spy. In November 2019, Wang sought political asylum in Australia, claiming to be a spy who was involved in the People's Republic of China's intervention in the affairs of Hong Kong SAR and Taiwan. The factual accuracy of his claims has been disputed, and some experts suggested he may be no more than a low-level operative.^[1][2] China has claimed that Wang's allegations were "absurd" and that he is a "fraud".^[3]

Wang's case drew worldwide attention, leading to an investigation in Taiwan. In November 2021, the years-long investigation concluded with no evidence to support Wang's claims, and individuals that he had accused of being accomplices or handlers were cleared of all national security charges.^[4][5]

In January 2023, Wang was barred from living in Australia. His asylum visa application was also rejected after an Australian tribunal ruling found him guilty of having committed "serious fraud against an Australian citizen".^[6] The tribunal expressed strong doubts of Wang's espionage claims given his past fraudulent activities.^[7]